I often get questions about table runners. 

• What are table runners used for?
• What should I know about using table runners?
• Where do table runners go? 
• What do you do with table runners?
• Where should I place a table runner?
• What colors should table runners be?
• What style of table runners should I choose?
• Why should I use a table runner?
• Do table runners have to hang off the table?

So what are the answers? There are lots of questions and lots of ways to use table runners.  Let’s take a look. 

I grew up using placemats and napkins.  My mom was a working wife and mother. She was able to go to work, come home, and have a meal on the table for the family every day. She kept a clean orderly home and found time for me and my father.  To this day, I still don’t know how she did it.

Once I started decorating my own home, I discovered table runners. When I first started my own home, I decorated in a style called “What Deb Likes (and can afford)”. I did not have a lot of money, so garage sales and thrift stores were where I found a lot of my furnishings and accessories. 

I was lucky enough to find a sturdy table that I liked for just the right price, free.  The table was the right size, and the color and style of the table went with my other furniture. There was a catch, although most of the table’s finish was fine, there was a small stain almost in the center of the table.  So, of course, I called my mom to see if there was a solution.  She suggested a table runner. Hmmm, a table runner.

What are table runners used for?

Table runners are great because they protect the table’s surface, are very versatile, require little maintenance, and take up very little storage space. This was a great solution. I could hide the stain and protect the table from future damage. Thanks, Mom.

Do table runners have to hang over?

This is the most popular question asked. The answer- it is your preference. The usual guideline is a table runner hang for a formal setting or decoration. A table runner can be shorter than the table if you desire a more casual look. So a table runner can be the best size for your taste.

Decorating with Table Runners

What I have learned over the years is table runners can be used in any room of the home. There are lots of creative table runner ideas for decorating. Whether your home is a house, apartment, camper, or boat, there is much that can be done with a table runner. They come in all shapes and sizes, so a table runner is available no matter the table size or style.

Table Runners in the Dining Room

A traditional idea is to place the table runner length wise in the center of the dining room table; but, there are other places to use them. The buffet is a great place for a table runner and believe it or not on the dining room wall. Hanging vertically or horizontally, table runners can be used as wall art in narrow or wide spaces.

One table runner idea is to place the table runner across the table width. This works well when combining placemats with table runners for a more modern décor look.

Table Runners in the Kitchen

Table runners enhance kitchen décor. And they work well as a base for kitchen décor. Either on a kitchen table or kitchen island. Quilted table runners are a great place to keep salt and pepper shakers, napkins (I love cloth napkins), decorative teapots, and more.

Whatever your kitchen décor style, table runners add a little more zest. Supreme Accents has a variety of quilted table runners for many tastes. 

Table runners are great for a kitchen island or a baker’s rack.  If your kitchen has a hutch, a quilted table runner is a great item to place on the hutch to add color and charm.

Table Runners in the Bedroom

Another great table runner idea is to use a table runner at the end of the bed.  In winter a table runner over a spread, quilt, or comforter can add seasonal charm.  In summer a quilted table runner is a wonderful way to add color to the bed when the bed topper is removed.

The chest of drawers or bureau is a wonderful place to put a table runner.  These surfaces get a lot of wear and tear from keys, bottles, and the like. So they protect the surface and add color and style.

Don’t forget the end tables, lamps, glasses, and alarm clocks can mar the surface of your furniture. Supreme Accents has lots of styles that match and coordinate.

Here is an idea. Place a table runner on the empty space above the bed.  A colorful table runner adds color and design. It is quick and easy to change the table runner with the seasons.

Coffee Runners in the Living Room

Coffee tables and end tables are great places for a table runner.  A coffee table runner can add color and charm. Imagine a coffee table runner to match the colors of your living room. These surfaces are often overlooked and are wonderful places for adding color. 

Console Runners In the Entryway

This is a wonderful area to set the mood for entering your home. Guests and families alike will love the welcoming feel table runners add to your décor. Imagine a festive holiday table runner to celebrate the season.

A great quilted table runner is also a foundation for a beautiful tablescape. The chest, console table, or hutch placed in the entry area are wonderful areas for table runners.

Table Runners in the Family Room

The family room other than the kitchen is usually the most used area.  Kids play and adults entertain, so the coffee tables, console tables and end tables are great places for table runners.

Other areas are sofa tables, TV tables, and bookshelves. Supreme Accents has a great selection of quilted table runners for any color, décor, or taste.

Table Runners for Seasonal Decorating

Table runners work well as wall decorations, especially for seasonal or holiday decorating. I often like to change the feel of my dining room, especially during the holidays. 

Table runners are a great starting point.  For July 4th, red, white, and blue get it placed on the table, For Halloween, jack-o-lanterns become the star of the dining room table. Sometimes just have the table runner. At other times add a centerpiece, candles, or other decorating items.

In the End

Table runners are an often-overlooked way of adding a touch of color and style to any room. They’re quick and easy to install and can make an impact in a short amount of time. Whether you want a cozy, romantic look or a more contemporary vibe, the perfect table runner can be the centerpiece of your room’s design. Furthermore, table runners are an inexpensive way to make a big difference.

In short, if you’re looking for an affordable way to give your room a makeover, a table runner may be just the thing. So give them a try. You may just be surprised at how much of a difference a table runner can make.

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